JP2003077060A - Rental device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rightly return rental equipment by only a returning operation by a user, to reduce management cost by reduction of the number of clerks and full automation, and to have a charging starting work of a battery performed by the user when returning the rental equipment, in the case of the electrically-driven rental equipment. SOLUTION: By utilizing a signal line 30 connectable to the rental equipment and a signal line connecting part, a control part 5 is capable of reading a discrimination code from a storage part 50 of the rental equipment when connecting the rental equipment to the signal line connecting part 30 and determining a rental termination of the rental equipment related to the discrimination code.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rental device and a rental method for reading an identification code from a storage unit of a rental device such as a rental bicycle and determining that the rental state of the rental device associated with the identification code has ended. It is about. When the rental of the rental device is accompanied by a charge, it is determined that the rental state of the rental device has ended, and the charge is ended.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When renting out rental equipment such as rental bicycles, the most important issue is whether or not the equipment is securely returned. In the past, the only way to confirm this was to rely on the human eye. However, in many cases, it is not immediately obvious whether the rented rental device has been returned, or if it has been returned, it is the same as the rented device. If you cannot confirm that the same rental device was not returned on the spot, it is very difficult to make a complaint later. In addition, when renting out the rental device is accompanied by a charge, there is also a problem that the charge state must be terminated when the same rented out device is properly returned. For this, I had to rely on the eyes of people.

Because of this, it has been a difficult task to reduce the number of staff involved in the return of rental equipment, unmanned operation, and lower operating costs. Also, if the rental device is an electrically driven device such as an electric assisted bicycle that requires charging of the battery, the user is not required to reliably start the battery charging when returning the electric assisted bicycle. Then there is the problem that you will not be able to continue lending.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the operating cost by reducing the number of staff or unmanned when returning rental equipment. Further, in the case of an electric rental device, it is an object to ask the user to start charging the battery when returning the device. In some cases, a staff member may be needed to check the rental equipment and explain how to handle it when renting it out. However, if this is not necessary, or if the user can do it, it is not necessary to have a staff member at the time of lending. It would be even better if

[0005]

Means and Actions for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved by using a signal line connectable to a rental device and a signal line connecting portion, when the control device connects the rental device to the signal line connecting portion. This is achieved by reading the identification code from the storage unit of the rental device and determining that the rental device associated with this identification code has completed the rental. The signal line may be pulled out from the rental device or may be inside the rental device. In the latter case, the signal line connecting portion is attached to the wall surface of the rental device as a connector or the like.

That is, the user connects the signal line connecting portion provided at the tip of the signal line extending from the rental device to the signal line connecting portion on the rental device side when returning. Alternatively, the signal line connecting portion provided at the tip of the signal line extending from the rental device side is connected to the signal line connecting portion on the rental device side. Alternatively, the signal line connecting portions provided at the tips of the signal lines extending from both are connected. Which of these connection forms will depend on the design of both. As a result, the rental device and the rental device are connected, and the control unit of the rental device reads the identification code from the storage unit of the rental device. Therefore, the rental device can identify the rental device by the identification code corresponding to the rental device one-on-one, and based on this, it is determined that the rental device is returned and the rental is completed. By connecting the signal line connecting portions to each other in this manner, it is possible for the user to confirm that the signal has been returned correctly, even without an attendant.

Next, regarding the rental equipment having the charging section, the charging line connectable to the charging section and the charging line connecting section are used to supply electric power to the charging section. As in the case of the signal line and the signal line connecting portion described above, there are various connection modes for the charging line and the charging line connecting portion, and which one of them is to be designed depends on the design.

When the user returns the rental device having the charging section, the signal line connecting sections are connected to each other as described above, but it is necessary to further connect the charging line connecting sections to each other. This is because after returning, the charging section must be charged in preparation for the next rental.

Therefore, the charging line and the signal line may be shared. The common use is to use the charging line as a signal line.

When the user returns the rental device having the charging section, if the charging lines are connected to each other, the signal lines are connected to each other at the same time. The control unit of the rental device reads the identification code from the storage unit of the rental device via the signal line. In addition, charging of the charging unit is started in preparation for the next rental.

Further, the charging line connecting portion and the signal line connecting portion may be shared. For example, the shape of the connection port of the connector is matched so that the charging lines and the signal lines are properly connected. It should be noted that it is convenient for handling if the charging line and the signal line are formed as one cable even though they are separate bodies.

When the user returns the rental device having the charging section, if the common connecting sections are connected to each other, the signal lines and the charging lines are connected at one time. The control unit of the rental device reads the identification code from the storage unit of the rental device via the signal line. In addition, charging of the charging unit of the rental device is started via this charging line.

Next, the control unit may terminate the billing based on the judgment of the end of rental. Although the control unit may perform the charging process, the charging process may be entrusted to another device and the charging information may be transmitted to this device.

If the rental equipment is to be rented as a profitable business, it is necessary to properly charge the rental equipment. In particular, if you want to charge the amount of money according to the lending time, you must correctly measure the lending time. You also have to keep charging until the user returns it correctly. Therefore, it is reasonable to judge that the rental device has been returned and terminate the charging only when the control unit can identify the rental device by the identification code. For this purpose, the user needs to connect the signal line connection parts to each other to confirm that the signal has been returned correctly.

Next, when the rental device is detached from the signal line connection unit, the control unit can determine that the rental device is to be rented.

Thus, when renting out a rental device, it is possible to check which rental device has been rented out (without an attendant) even when unattended. Also in this case, the control unit can specify the rental device by the identification code. Therefore, when renting and returning rental equipment, it is possible to reduce the number of staff and unmanned personnel, and to reduce operating costs.

Further, the control unit can start charging based on the judgment of start of rental.

Particularly in the case of hourly charging, it is important when to start charging, but if the control unit determines that the rental is started when the connection between the signal lines is cut off, the charging is correctly performed. You can start.

Next, the rental device may be an electric vehicle, and the identification code may be read from the storage unit of the electric vehicle. Electric vehicles include electric vehicles,
You can raise hybrid type cars, electric assisted bicycles, etc.

Therefore, this electric vehicle can be specified by the identification code corresponding to these electric vehicles one-to-one, and when the electric vehicle is returned, it is possible to determine the end of rental. By thus connecting the signal line connecting portions by the user, it is possible to confirm that the signal has been returned correctly.

The rental device may be a rechargeable battery that can be attached to and detached from an electric vehicle, and the identification code may be read from a storage unit of the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is detachable from the electric vehicle so that the rechargeable battery can be detached from the electric vehicle at the time of charging and can be attached to the charger. Then, this charger is provided with a charging line and a charging line connecting portion for supplying electric power to the rechargeable battery. In addition, this charger is provided with a signal line and a signal line connection unit necessary for reading the identification code from the storage unit of the rechargeable battery.

Therefore, this rechargeable battery can be specified by the identification code corresponding to this rechargeable battery one to one, and when the rechargeable battery is returned, it is possible to determine the end of rental. As described above, when the user removes the rechargeable battery from the electric vehicle and sets it in the charger, the signal line connecting portions are connected to each other as described above, and the charging line connecting portions are further connected to each other. This makes it possible to confirm that the rechargeable battery has been correctly returned, and at the same time, it is possible to charge the rechargeable battery for the next lending after the return. In addition, as the rechargeable battery is lent out or returned, the electric vehicle in which the rechargeable battery is set is rented out or returned. Therefore, the rechargeable battery may be provided with a storage unit, and the storage unit may be provided also in this electric vehicle. It is also possible to design so that the identification code can be exchanged between the two storage units.

When the rental device is an electric vehicle, a parking device or a parking lot for the electric vehicle is provided, and the electric vehicle can be parked here.

Therefore, the electric vehicle can be parked in the parking device or the electric vehicle can be entered into the parking lot to confirm the return and charge the rechargeable battery.

Next, when the control unit terminates the charging based on the judgment of the end of the rental, the control unit may notify the termination of the charging by using the notifying unit.

Therefore, it is confirmed that the operation required by the user, which has been described so far, is correctly performed by receiving the notification of the end of charging from the notification unit, and it is reassured that the charging has stopped. You will be able to check with a feeling.

Next, when the control unit starts the billing based on the judgment of the start of rental, the control unit may notify the start of billing by using the notifying unit.

Therefore, the user can clearly confirm that the rental is started and the charging is started.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. The bicycle parking device includes side plates 2 and 2 standing on both sides of a support frame 20, and rollers 21 provided in a wheel passage. The side plates 2 and 2 support the front wheels of the bicycle from both sides, and the rollers 21 are mountain crossings for preventing the front wheels of the bicycle from returning. The rental device and the bicycle are connected to each other by a connector 3 provided at the tip of the lead wire 30. The user connects the connector 3 by himself after parking the bicycle on the parking device. In addition,
Reference numeral 1 is a handle post of this bicycle, and reference numeral 10
Refers to the frame.

The processing block on the bicycle side is shown in FIG. 2, which comprises a transmission section 40 to which the lead wire 30 is connected and the control section 4. The control unit 4 has the identification code, and sends it to the connector 3 through the transmission unit 40. Further, FIG. 3 shows processing blocks on the parking device side. The control circuit is not shown because it is attached to the front side of the right side plate 2, but has a circuit block as shown in FIG. That is, the reception unit 52, the identification code storage unit 50, the authentication unit 51 that compares the bicycle identification code obtained from the reception unit 52 with the identification code obtained from the storage unit 50, and these are integrally controlled. It is composed of a control unit 5.

When the connector 3 is connected, the control section 4 on the bicycle side transmits the identification code via the transmission section 40. Therefore, the reception section 52 on the parking device side receives the identification code, and this is authenticated by the authentication section. At 51, the identification code read from the storage unit 50 is collated to check whether the vehicle is a registered vehicle.

Therefore, this system confirms the connection of the connector by the user (step S1), reads the identification code (step S2), collates this with the identification code read from the storage unit 50, and determines whether the vehicle is a registered vehicle. It is checked (step S3), and if Yes, the return confirmation is made (do nothing-step S4). If the condition is No, the user is notified that parking is not permitted (step S5).
Therefore, if you do not permit parking, you cannot return your bicycle here.

(Second Embodiment) What is shown in the schematic view of FIG. 5 is a rechargeable battery 6 for a so-called electrically-assisted bicycle, which has a handle and is internally provided with a transmitter 62 and a memory 63. The transmitter 62 is connected to the connection terminal 60 of the rechargeable battery 6 via a lead wire 61. The charging section 66 is connected to the connection terminal 64 of the rechargeable battery 6 via a lead wire 65.

Also shown in the schematic view of FIG. 5 is the charging device 7 for the rechargeable battery 6. The controller 72 includes a controller 72 and a charger 75 for the charging unit 66.
2 is connected to a connection terminal 70 of the charging device 7 via a lead wire 71. The charger 75 is connected to the connection terminal 73 of the charging device 7 via a lead wire 74. Reference numeral 67 is a charging lamp that indicates whether charging is in progress or charging is completed.

Therefore, the exchange of the identification code is handled by the rechargeable battery 6. This is because in the returned electric assist, the rechargeable battery 6 must be charged without fail. Therefore, if the electrically assisted bicycle and the rechargeable battery 6 have a one-to-one correspondence, the rechargeable battery 6 must be authenticated. This is because it is okay. When the rechargeable battery 6 is set in the charging device 7, the connection terminal 60 and the connection terminal 70 come into contact with each other, and the identification code can be exchanged. At the same time, the connection terminal 64 and the connection terminal 73 come into contact with each other, and power is supplied from the charger 75 to the charging unit 66 of the rechargeable battery 6.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the same embodiment. The control unit 5 can control the billing unit 53, and the control unit 5 terminates billing based on the judgment of the end of rental.

The connection of the connector by the user is confirmed (step S6), and the identification code is read (step S).
7) Then, this is collated with the identification code read from the storage unit 50 to check whether or not the vehicle is a registered vehicle (step S8). If the condition is Yes, it is confirmed to be returned (step S9). Perform processing (step S10)
However, if the condition is No, it is notified that parking is not permitted (step S11).

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a flowchart of this embodiment. For example, when the user disconnects the connectors 3 and 3 of the first embodiment (step S12), the identification code already received from the storage unit 50 is saved (step S13), and the lending confirmation is performed using this (step S12). S14). Therefore, renting a bicycle does not require personnel such as staff.

(Fifth Embodiment) For example, when the connectors 3 and 3 of the first embodiment are removed by the user (step S15), the identification code already received from the storage unit 50 is stored (step S16). With this, the lending confirmation is made (step S17), and billing is further started (step S18). Therefore, billing can be started automatically.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram of this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the same embodiment. The notification unit 54 is provided, and the control unit 5 includes the charging unit 5.
3 can control the notification unit 54.

When the user disconnects the connectors 3 and 3 and confirms that the connectors have been detached (step S19), the identification code already received from the storage unit 50 is stored (step S20), and this is used to confirm the lending (step S19). S2
1) Start charging (step S22). Further, the start of charging can be notified (step S23), and the user can confirm the start of charging.

(Seventh Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a flowchart of this embodiment. The control unit 5 not shown is the charging unit 5.
3 can be controlled, the control unit 5 terminates the billing based on the judgment of the end of the rental, and notifies the user of the termination of the billing. The connection of the connector by the user is confirmed (step S24), the identification code is read (step S25), and the identification code is collated with the identification code read from the storage unit 50 to check whether or not the vehicle is a registered vehicle (step S26). ), If the condition is Yes, the return confirmation is made (step S27), and the billing end process is performed (step S28), but the user is notified of the billing end (step S29). If the condition is No, it is notified that parking is not permitted (step S30).

The notifying unit 54 displays, for example, on the liquid crystal display panel, "End of billing: XX hours to XX hours: XX hours: XX minutes: XX hours.
It is displayed as a circle.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the IC card reader 8 of this embodiment. A control device 82 for reading the identification code from the storage unit of the rental device and determining the end of rental of the rental device associated with this identification code, a connector 80 for inserting an IC card, and a lead wire connecting the two. And 81.

A characteristic of this embodiment is that a connector for inserting this IC card is also provided on the rental equipment side, and this IC card plays a role as a key. The rental device can operate without this IC card, and the IC card reader 8 cannot confirm the return and terminate the charge unless the IC card is inserted. Therefore, the exchange of the identification code is handled by the IC card. This is because the IC card plays a role as a key, so that the IC card may be authenticated if the rental device and the IC card are in one-to-one correspondence. It should be noted that whether the identification code is provided to the IC card or the rental device side is provided to relay the identification code to the IC card is an optional matter and depends on the design.

When the rental equipment is an electric vehicle and has a parking lot for the electric vehicle, the parking lot may be regarded as a parking area, and it is not always the case that a parking device is provided. Absent. It may have a gate or an enclosure. When the charging line and the signal line are shared, the charging line is generally used as the signal line. When it is said that the charging line connecting portion and the signal line connecting portion are shared, it is possible to use the charging line as a signal line or to use each as a separate line.

In addition, when notifying the end of charging or the start of charging, a display device is placed near the rental device to display, a lamp is lit, a buzzer sounds, and the user's mobile phone. It can be designed to be sent to a (browserphone) as a compact HTML document or the like.

[0049]

As described above, the present invention utilizes the signal line connectable to the rental device and the signal line connection portion, and when the rental device is connected to the signal line connection portion by the control unit, the storage unit of the rental device is provided. The identification code is read from the device so that the rental end of the rental device associated with the identification code can be determined.

As a result, the rental device can be correctly returned only by the returning operation by the user, and the staff can be reduced or the unmanned staff can be operated, and the operating cost can be reduced. In the case of an electric rental device, the user can ask the user to start charging the battery when returning the rental device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram around a control unit 4 on the bicycle side of the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram around a control unit 5 on the rental device side of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a rechargeable battery 6 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a charging device 7 of the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the same embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the same embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an eighth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 handle post 10 frames 2 side plates 20 Support frame 21 Roll 3 connectors 30 Leader 4 Control unit (bicycle side) 40 Transmitter 5 Control unit (rental equipment side) 50 memory 51 Authentication Department 52 Receiver 53 Billing Department 54 Notification section 6 rechargeable battery 60 connection terminals 61 lead wire 62 transmitter 63 storage 64 connection terminals 65 lead wire 66 Charging section 67 Charging lamp 7 charger 70 Connection terminal 71 lead wire 72 Control device 73 Connection terminal 74 lead wire 75 charger 8 IC card reader 80 connector 81 lead wire 82 Control device

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A signal line connectable to the rental device for reading out an identification code from a storage unit of the rental device and a signal line connecting part, and the rental device is connected to the signal line connecting part when the rental device is connected to the signal line connecting part. It is characterized by comprising a control unit that reads out the identification code from the storage unit and determines that the rental device associated with this identification code has ended rental.
Rental equipment. 2. A rental device having a charging unit,
The rental device according to claim 1, comprising a charging line connectable to the charging unit and a charging line connecting unit. 3. The rental device according to claim 2, wherein the charging line and the signal line are shared. 4. The rental device according to claim 2, wherein the charging line connecting portion and the signal line connecting portion are shared. 5. The rental device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit terminates the billing based on a determination of the end of rental. 6. The rental device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the rental device is to be rented when the rental device is detached from the signal line connection unit. 7. The rental device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit starts charging based on a determination to start rental. 8. The rental device according to claim 1, wherein the rental device is an electric vehicle. 9. The rental device according to claim 8, wherein the rental device is a rechargeable battery that can be attached to and detached from an electric vehicle. 10. The rental device according to claim 8, comprising a parking device or a parking lot for the electric vehicle. 11. The rental device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit includes a notification unit that notifies the end of charging. 12. The rental device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit includes a notification unit that notifies the start of charging. 13. The control unit uses a signal line connectable to the rental device and a signal line connection unit, and when the rental device is connected to the signal line connection unit, the control unit identifies the identification code from the storage unit of the rental device. Is read out and it is determined that the rental device associated with this identification code has been rented out. 14. The rental method according to claim 13, wherein, for a rental device including a charging unit, electric power is supplied to the charging unit by using a charging line connectable to the charging unit and a charging line connecting unit. . 15. The rental method according to claim 14, wherein the charging line and the signal line are shared. 16. The rental method according to claim 14, wherein the charging line connecting portion and the signal line connecting portion are shared. 17. The rental method according to claim 13, wherein the control unit terminates the billing based on a determination of the end of rental. 18. The rental method according to claim 13, wherein the control unit determines that the rental device is started to be rented when the rental device is detached from the signal line connection unit. 19. The rental method according to claim 18, wherein the control unit starts billing based on a determination of start of rental. 20. The rental device is an electric vehicle,
14. The rental method according to claim 13, wherein the identification code is read from the storage unit of the electric vehicle. 21. The rental method according to claim 20, wherein the rental device is a rechargeable battery that can be attached to and detached from an electric vehicle, and an identification code is read from a storage unit of the rechargeable battery. 22. A parking device or a parking lot for the electric vehicle is provided, and the electric vehicle is parked therein.
The rental method described in 0. 23. The rental method according to claim 17, wherein the control unit uses a notification unit to notify the end of billing. 24. The rental method according to claim 19, wherein the control unit uses a notification unit to notify the start of charging.